24 comments:

First I thought...Asian? Next thought was... All Souls where the priest really wanted to have his skeleton costume underneath the chausable? Then I thought...weird christian cult? But overall, it really comes down to...No. Just...no.

There are people designing good vestments; unfortunately, even they sometimes have to make crap, because that's what most people seem to want (for reasons which escape me entirely).

Personally, I don't much care for the work of the Holy Rood Guild. I prefer:(1) http://www.luzarvestments.co.uk/(2) http://www.wattsandco.com/ -- They made the *lovely* cope worn by the ABC at the royal wedding.(3) http://www.susanmaria.com(4) http://www.wippell.com/ -- Website currently suspended, pending launch of new site. (5) http://gracevestments.com/vestments.html(6) http://www.saintbedestudio.bizland.com/id1.html

But for bad examples, check out these:(1) http://www.churchlinens.com/liturgical_vestments.htm -- If you scroll down to the first photo, you'll find the awful stole of kids faces; if you scroll to the very end, there's a hideous, crazy-quilt-style, disco cope.(2) http://www.croftdesign.co.uk/(3) http://www.jacquiebinns.com/ -- Aside from the rather horrifying intro photo, check out the "Copes" and, especially, the "Chasubles" links. Wow.(4) http://www.moralfibers.us/index.htm(5) http://www.yvonnebell.co.uk/ -- Definitely check out the "Copes and mitres" link.

Catherine S.I must comment on behalf of Churchlinens.com and Moralfibers.us I have had direct dealings with both of these individuals. They specialize in teaching individuals how to make their own vestments and linens. While Annette does sell her own designs as well, I do not think it is fair to include these websites as examples of "bad" design. I am sure that the stoles that I made for our Sudanese ministry using techniques, patterns and fabrics from these may not suit your taste as well. I would not denigrate the service of these women to the ministry of the church by blaming my own bad design on their services.Robert Rhea

Anonymous: I have no doubt they are lovely, kind, eminently worthy people, and I respect your desire to defend them. Having viewed any number of vestments on their respective websites, however, I cannot agree with any defense of their designs. I am sorry if this pains you.

Oh, and FYI, Anon.: The Moral Fibers site specifically states that "[e]ach piece is a unique hand made creation crafted from 100% Dupioni silk."

Based on my long history of dealing with vestments and banners, I can categorically state that dupioni silk is *much* too delicate a fabric for use in vestments and banners. After a few years, it starts to fray and split along the edges of any embroidery and/or applique stitching. At that point, the only options are: (1) remove the embroidery/applique and re-apply it to new fabric [expensive, time-consuming, and not always possible]; (2) try to tack down the bits that are ripping [a short-term fix, at best, as the fraying/splitting will eventually simply gain a new location]; or (3) scrap them and buy/make new ones [expensive, and makes the initial expenditure a complete waste of money].

I disagree with Catherine S on several levels, but definitely her comment "makes the initial expenditure a complete waste of money". If the vestment/item was well used and given to the glory of God, it is never a complete waste of money. Many personal wardrobes are bought with only one season in mind, but too many people are parsimonious when it comes to vestments. Be frugal, but not to the point of being miserly.

I've made several vestments that I've given as a gift. While not made of dupioni silk and I make them to last, I don't expect them to last forever.

WHY WE'RE HERE

This site is dedicated to subjecting particularly awful Christian liturgical vestments or church decorations to the ridicule they so richly deserve. Contributions are welcome and can be e-mailed to websterglobe at juno dot com.